Italy bounced back from its loss to Team USA with a commanding straight-sets victory over suddenly-skidding Japan, 25–21, 25–23, 25–18, in its final Pool 5 assignment on Sunday to close Week 2 of the 2026 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Both Italy and Japan ended the week with 6–2 records, though on contrasting runs.
Italy’s only loss came against the United States the day before, 25–27, 20–25, 16–25, while Japan suffered back-to-back defeats after opening the week with six straight wins.
Despite the scoreline, World No. 1 Italy had to withstand Japan’s resistance in tightly contested rallies, particularly in the second set, where the Asian side nearly stole control.
Trailing for much of the frame, Hinotori Nippon mounted a late surge behind Yamada Nichika, who delivered back-to-back points — a block on Kate Antropova and a thunderous middle attack — to pull Japan within four.
Wada Yukiko eventually dragged the set level at 23-all, but Sarah Fahr responded with a timely kill to reach set point before Antropova atoned with a decisive hit to give the reigning champions a 2–0 cushion.
From there, Italy shut the door on Japan early in the third set, steadily pulling away to complete the win in one hour and 16 minutes.
Antropova led the Azzurre with 17 points, highlighted by her clutch scoring in the second and third sets.
“It feels amazing, especially that we got this amazing win against Japan. We know that they’re a really hard team to play against, and we always suffer in their game because it’s very different from everything that we’ve seen. So, we’re really happy to finish this game,” said the 23-year-old versatile winger.
Stella Nervini provided stability on offense in the closing set, finishing with 10 points alongside six digs and nine excellent receptions, while Linda Nwakalor added eight points, including three blocks.
The title defense becomes more challenging for the Olympic champions when they face Ukraine in Hong Kong on July 8 at 5 p.m. to open Week 3.
Japan captain Ishikawa Mayu led her side with 12 points, all from attacks, along with five digs and 12 excellent receptions, while Sato Yoshino was limited to nine points and committed key defensive errors, including two straight miscues in the third set.
Japan will look to regroup on home soil in Osaka when it takes on Brazil on the same day at 7:20 p.m.
